American Airlines·oneworld
American Loyalty Program — Earning, Tiers & Redemptions
American Loyalty Program — Earning, Tiers & Redemptions — Summary
How the American frequent flyer program works: how miles are earned, elite tiers, redemption value, expiry rules and which credit cards help.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
- The program: American operates AAdvantage.
- How you earn: Revenue-based earning on ticket price with tier multipliers.
- Elite tiers: Tiers run: Member → AAdvantage Gold → AAdvantage Platinum → AAdvantage Platinum Pro → AAdvantage Executive Platinum..
- Redeeming: Dynamic pricing on AA metal with frequent Web Special discounts.
The program
American operates AAdvantage. The currency is AAdvantage miles.
How you earn
Revenue-based earning on ticket price with tier multipliers. Status runs on Loyalty Points, which accrue from flying, credit card spend and partner activity — the most credit-card-friendly status currency among US carriers.
Elite tiers
Tiers run: Member → AAdvantage Gold → AAdvantage Platinum → AAdvantage Platinum Pro → AAdvantage Executive Platinum.
Redeeming
Dynamic pricing on AA metal with frequent Web Special discounts. oneworld partner awards on British Airways, Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific are often the best use of the currency.
Do the miles expire?
AAdvantage miles expire after 24 months of account inactivity. Any qualifying earn or redeem activity resets the clock.
Credit cards and transfers
Citi and Barclays AAdvantage cards deliver a free first bag for the cardmember and up to four companions, preferred boarding, and Loyalty Points toward status.
Baggage benefits from status
First bag free for AAdvantage elite members, Citi/Barclays AAdvantage cardholders and up to four companions on the reservation, active-duty US military, and in premium cabins.
American loyalty program — common questions
Do American miles expire?
AAdvantage miles expire after 24 months of account inactivity. Any qualifying earn or redeem activity resets the clock.
What are the AAdvantage elite tiers?
Member, AAdvantage Gold, AAdvantage Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum Pro, AAdvantage Executive Platinum. Revenue-based earning on ticket price with tier multipliers. Status runs on Loyalty Points, which accrue from flying, credit card spend and partner activity — the most credit-card-friendly status currency among US carriers.
What is the best way to redeem AAdvantage miles?
Dynamic pricing on AA metal with frequent Web Special discounts. oneworld partner awards on British Airways, Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific are often the best use of the currency.
More American help
Booking American? Talk to a US travel consultant.
Fare rules, baggage allowances and change policies differ by route and fare brand. Our consultants confirm the exact terms attached to your itinerary before you pay — and handle the change or refund if plans move.